North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un strikes fear into some hearts, but photos of a Chinese street food vendor with a distinct resemblance to the Pyongyang strongman have fuelled online mirth.

Chubby, with a round face and sporting Kim's trademark side-shaved haircut, the vendor was pictured cooking skewered meat on a rusty barbecue.

Identified as meat cart operator Manchu Tuan, he works in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang, not far from the border with North Korea.

Like Kim, Mr Tuan has a penchant for high-buttoned jackets, and a smoking habit.

But he appears to lead a simpler existence than his powerful doppelganger -- who is reported to enjoy a luxury lifestyle -- and was seen at the weekend sitting on a small plastic stool, tending to his meaty wares.

Thousands of Chinese Internet users commented on the images, with many referring to Kim by the nickname "Fatty the Third", a reference to his weight as well as his inheritance of his position from his father and grandfather.

Beijing has long been Pyongyang's closest ally, but the North's continued nuclear programme is said to have chilled ties, and Chinese social media users often skewer the young leader with irreverent criticism.